Tennessee football must beat these first-year QBs in 2025 – from Ty Simpson to Gunner Stockton

The 2025 college football season looms large for the Tennessee Volunteers, a team hungry to return to SEC prominence and national relevance. Central to their success will be how they handle the quarterback position — both on their roster and against the opposing first-year quarterbacks they’ll face throughout the year.

As Tennessee’s offense continues to develop under coach Josh Heupel, their defense must prepare to face a crop of first-year starting quarterbacks across the SEC and other opponents. These QBs, fresh into their starting roles, bring a mixture of raw talent, dual-threat abilities, and unpredictability that can challenge even the most seasoned defenses.

This analysis highlights the key first-year starting quarterbacks Tennessee must defeat in 2025, focusing on their playing style, strengths, and how the Volunteers’ defense can exploit their weaknesses. From high-profile transfer gunslingers to promising true freshmen, the Volunteers’ defensive unit will be tested early and often.

1. Ty Simpson – Alabama Crimson Tide
Background
Ty Simpson arrives at Alabama with high expectations. After his time at Tennessee, where he saw limited action behind starter Hendon Hooker, Simpson transferred to Alabama seeking a fresh start. The Crimson Tide’s offense, known for its explosive passing game, is now looking to Simpson to lead.

Playing Style and Strengths
Pocket Presence: Simpson is a poised passer with a quick release, good decision-making, and the ability to read defenses well.

Arm Talent: Possesses a strong arm, capable of launching deep balls accurately.

Mobility: While not a pure dual-threat, Simpson can extend plays with his legs and pick up yards when needed.

Tennessee’s Defensive Approach
The Volunteers must pressure Simpson consistently, disrupting his timing and forcing him to rely on his less-developed secondary reads. Alabama’s offensive line is solid but vulnerable to well-timed blitzes, especially from linebackers and safeties.

Tennessee’s defensive backs should capitalize on Simpson’s tendency to hold the ball slightly too long, baiting throws into coverage. Mixing zone and man coverage will confuse the young QB and limit big plays.

2. Gunner Stockton – Florida Gators
Background
Gunner Stockton, a highly touted freshman out of Florida’s talent pipeline, is expected to start as the Gators’ quarterback in 2025. Known for his athleticism and arm strength, Stockton embodies the modern dual-threat QB prototype.

Playing Style and Strengths
Athleticism: An elusive runner with the ability to create plays on the move.

Arm Strength: Can make all the throws, including deep bombs.

Aggressiveness: Unafraid to take risks, which can lead to big plays or costly mistakes.

Tennessee’s Defensive Approach
Against Stockton, Tennessee must maintain discipline and assignment football. The Volunteers’ edge rushers will need to contain his scrambling ability while the secondary stays alert to prevent long passes.

A spy linebacker assigned to monitor Stockton’s runs could limit his rushing impact. Forcing him into uncomfortable pocket situations will test his decision-making. Limiting explosive plays will be key.

3. Brock Vandagriff – Georgia Bulldogs
Background
Though not a freshman, Brock Vandagriff will be in his first full year as the Georgia starting quarterback in 2025. After a backup role in previous seasons, Vandagriff’s opportunity to lead the Bulldogs will bring new challenges.

Playing Style and Strengths
Strong Arm: Vandagriff’s arm strength allows for accurate deep throws.

Experience: Though new as a starter, he has familiarity with Georgia’s system.

Composure: Known for calmness under pressure.

Tennessee’s Defensive Approach
Tennessee will face a balanced QB who can exploit mismatches through the air and on the ground. The Volunteers must disrupt Georgia’s rhythm by mixing pressure schemes and disguising coverage.

Containing Georgia’s talented receiving corps will require tight man coverage and disciplined tackling. Tennessee’s pass rush must force Vandagriff to make hurried decisions.

4. J.J. Taylor – Kentucky Wildcats
Background
J.J. Taylor is a talented true freshman expected to start for Kentucky in 2025. His raw athletic ability and natural leadership qualities have impressed coaches, making him a wildcard in the SEC.

Playing Style and Strengths
Dual-Threat: Taylor’s speed and agility make him dangerous on the ground.

Improving Passing: While still developing his arm strength and accuracy, his potential is high.

Instincts: Good at reading defenses and adjusting plays at the line.

Tennessee’s Defensive Approach
Containing Taylor means focusing on disciplined gap control and run fits. Tennessee’s linebackers will need to stay alert and avoid over-pursuing.

Defenders must force Taylor to throw rather than run, especially under pressure. This can expose his developing passing game and increase turnover chances.

5. Carson Beck – Georgia Bulldogs
Background
Carson Beck, a transfer quarterback, may see significant starting time in 2025. His experience in the SEC with Georgia brings knowledge but also fresh pressure to perform.

Playing Style and Strengths
Strong Arm: Beck can deliver throws into tight windows.

Football IQ: Experienced in complex offenses.

Limited Mobility: More of a pocket passer.

Tennessee’s Defensive Approach
Tennessee’s pass rush will need to be relentless to expose Beck’s limited mobility. Maintaining coverage discipline will force Beck to make tough throws.

The Volunteers can pressure Beck by disguising blitzes and coverage, exploiting his tendency to hold the ball too long.

6. Caleb Williams – USC Trojans
Background
Though not playing the Volunteers in conference, USC’s Caleb Williams represents the caliber of first-year starting quarterbacks Tennessee might face in non-conference or bowl games. Williams, a Heisman winner transferring from Oklahoma, is a dynamic playmaker.

Playing Style and Strengths
Explosive Dual-Threat: One of the most dangerous runners in college football.

Elite Arm Talent: Can throw with velocity and accuracy on the run.

Improvisational Genius: Excels at creating plays outside the pocket.

Tennessee’s Defensive Approach
While a hypothetical opponent, Tennessee’s blueprint against Williams involves containing his legs with disciplined containment and edge setting.

Preventing big plays requires gap integrity and tackling in space. Pass rushers must force Williams to beat them with his arm, where Tennessee’s secondary can tighten coverage.

Keys to Tennessee’s Defensive Success in 2025
Pressure Up Front
First-year QBs often struggle against relentless pressure. Tennessee’s defensive line and linebackers must generate consistent pressure to disrupt timing and force errors.

Discipline in Coverage
Young quarterbacks can be baited into mistakes by disguising coverage and mixing zone and man defenses. Tennessee’s secondary must maintain assignment discipline to prevent big plays.

Limiting Scrambling and Improvisation
Many first-year QBs rely on athleticism to extend plays. Assigning spies or disciplined edge containment will limit this advantage.

Creating Turnovers
Pressure plus disciplined coverage often results in interceptions and forced fumbles. Tennessee must capitalize on these opportunities to shift momentum.

The 2025 season will test Tennessee’s defense against a variety of first-year starting quarterbacks, each with unique strengths and challenges. From Ty Simpson’s poised passing to Gunner Stockton’s dynamic dual-threat ability, the Volunteers must prepare for all scenarios.

By emphasizing pressure, coverage discipline, and run containment, Tennessee can exploit the growing pains of these young QBs. Success in these matchups could propel the Volunteers toward a breakout season in the SEC.

As Tennessee football looks to reclaim its place among the elite, beating these first-year quarterbacks will be a crucial step on the path to glory.